Kristen Carden

About Kristen Carden

As the founder of Kristen Carden Coaching & Consulting LLC, I leverage 35+ years of executive leadership—including as SVP of HR for Nordstrom, a $15B retailer—to guide leaders and organizations through complex business transformations. My practice is dedicated to executive coaching and strategic HR advisory that drives tangible business outcomes. My parallel passion lies in corporate governance, where I apply this deep operational experience to board leadership. Currently, I serve on the Advisory Board for Stuller, Inc, where I contribute to strategic oversight, risk management, and sustainable growth. This role, combined with my non-profit board service with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, provides me with a unique perspective on balancing business imperatives with human capital strategy at the highest level. I am actively seeking to expand my portfolio of corporate board roles. My value to a board is a direct result of my hands-on experience guiding companies through: Digital Transformation & Global Expansion Mergers, Acquisitions, and Integration HR & Operational Transformations Crisis Leadership & Organizational Resilience My core expertise is the integration of business strategy and human capital, ensuring that people strategies fuel business objectives. I help boards and executives navigate the critical human elements of governance, from CEO succession planning to culture oversight. Key Areas of Expertise: Corporate Governance & Board Advisory Executive Coaching & Leadership Development Strategic Human Capital Management Large-Scale Change Management & M&A Building High-Performing, Talent-Centric Cultures I am committed to challenging the status quo to create lasting value. Whether coaching a CEO, advising a leadership team, or serving in the boardroom, my mission is to help organizations and leaders unlock their full potential for impactful, sustainable results. Let\'s connect to discuss: Executive coaching for your leadership team, strategic HR consulting, or potential corporate board opportunities.

Experience

1. Advisory Board Member

   Stuller, Inc.

   Feb 2025 — Present · Lafayette, LA, US

   Founded in 1970 by Matt Stuller, Stuller, Inc. is North America\'s largest jewelry wholesaler, offering superior selection, services, and customer experience to its more than clients in 94 countries worldwide.

Education

• University of Washington

  Bachelor's degree, Communication and Media Studies

  1987 — 1991

• UW Foster School of Business

  Women on Boards Director Development Program

  2024

Skills

• Visual Merchandising
• Management
• Human Resources
• Fashion
• Marketing
• Team Building
• Inventory Management
• Merchandising
• Sales
• Multi-Channel Marketing
• Customer Service
• Employee Training
• Retail
• Leadership